Planted with Hope by Tricia Goyer Page B

walking shoes and yet leaned heavily onher cane. Jonas tilted his head, wondering what she was doing out this early. Wondering where she’d been walking to, and how she’d even found them back there.
    â€œI thought I heard voices!” she called, answering his last question. She neared them with a quicker pace than he’d expected.
    Noah approached her, his smile wide. “Can I help you?”
    â€œDon’t you remember me?” She lifted her chin and gazed directly at Noah. “I’m Elizabeth Bieler from the fabric shop. Faith—Hope’s sister—works for me, and I’m the one who let you borrow my quilt at the park last Saturday.”
    Jonas cleared his throat. “I’m actually the one who borrowed the quilt. Hope took it home. I hope it was returned.”
    â€œOf course it was returned.” She smiled. “I’ve just come to inspect.”
    Noah’s hat was still in his hand and he scratched his head. “Inspect?”
    â€œ Ja , I’ve come to hear about your plans for the garden.”
    Jonas’s heartbeat quickened. He glanced at Noah. “Did you tell her?”
    Noah shook his head, and they both turned their attention to Elizabeth, waiting for an explanation.
    â€œNo one told me.” Elizabeth leaned on her cane. “I’ve been praying about it. I’ve been praying about a garden that would bring the community together—just like our garden did in 1942.” The older woman jutted out her chin, appearing pleased.
    Noah nodded, but in a way that told Jonas he was simply trying to appease the woman.
    â€œ1942, that was during the war,” Jonas said. “I know that many Englisch communities banded together during that time.” Jonas didn’t tell the woman that history was his favorite subject. He waited to see what she had to say instead.
    â€œ Ja, and sometimes we can learn a lot from those who’ve gone before us, Englisch or not.” She lifted her cane and pointed it at Noah’s chest. “As soon as those raised beds are in I’d like you to tell Hope to come see me. Tell her I have something for her.” Elizabeth smiled. “A gift.”
    Noah nodded, and Jonas could again tell that he was puzzled by this woman. Noah returned his hat to his head. “ Ja , of course.”
    The woman walked away, humming a tune as she did.
    Jonas looked to Noah, and the man shrugged. “So maybe I’m not the only one who guessed that this garden is for Hope.”
    â€œ Ja , someone must be talking, but I suppose that’s not my concern. It’s my job to make sure the beds are in and to get the soil.” Noah pointed to Jonas. “And then it’ll be your job to take care of the rest. You did promise to help, didn’t you?”
    Jonas nodded. He didn’t want to seem too eager, but he had to admit that he was looking forward to spending more time with Hope and working with his students in the garden.
    â€œJust as long as you don’t forget to pass that woman’s message to Hope… when the time is right, of course.”
    Noah nodded. “Ja , I have a feeling Elizabeth Bieler will search us out if we forget.”
    Jonas looked to where the woman had just left. “And I’m eager to hear what the woman was talking about too. It sounded like that garden in 1942 was pretty important.” He shrugged. “I’d planned on tying in science and math to our lessons, but maybe there will be a chance to add in some history too.”
    Jonas looked down at his sketch, wondering how everything had changed. He’d gone from teaching school to now being part of this garden. And then there was his friendship with Hope. Tonight was the singing that he and Emma were going to attend with Hope. Jonas stroked his chin, wondering if they’d make itthrough the night without Emma speaking of the garden. He knew his little girl, how excited and eager she was.